Indoor Safety Tips

Indoor Tips for Residents and Do-It-Yourselfers

Whether you're planning an indoor do-it-yourself project or you're just using appliances around the home, always have a healthy respect for electricity. Not sure you can complete the job correctly? Consider hiring an electrician to do the job to keep your family safe.

The following tips offer great ways to stay aware of electricity and avoid potentially tragic accidents at home.

Power Cords and Plugs

Use cords approved by the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)

Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on outlets whenever you're working on a project like remodeling a room or adding a kitchen or bathroom. A GFCI monitors electric current; if there's an imbalance, it stops the current

Don't place a power cord under a carpet, through a doorway, or anywhere it could be stepped on

Keep cords away from heat and water

When unplugging an electrical object from its outlet, pull the plug, not the power cord

Compare the amp rating on an extension cord (indicated as "A" or "amps" on the cord) with that of the tool to make sure it can handle the tool

Use a heavy-duty, grounded three-wire cord for power tools

Electrical Tools and Appliances

Don't use a tool or appliance that shocks, smokes, emits strange odors, sparks, or operates suspiciously in any way

Repair or replace a tool or appliance if the insulation is cracked or missing or if the plug is loose

Unplug tools when you're not using them

Make sure the power tool you're using is on a circuit that can support its electrical requirements

Check that your power tools are double insulated and have grounded plugs

Keep your tools and appliances in good repair. Frayed cords, cords with cracked insulation, and loose plugs can shock you

Clean your tools. Dirt and grime buildup can cause tools to overheat

Space Heaters

Keep anything that is flammable away from the heater

Make sure curtains are nowhere near the heater

Make sure the heater is UL approved

Make sure the heater is plugged into an outlet that is not overloaded with other appliances

Turn off the heater when not in use or when you're leaving home

Lighting

Keep anything that could burn away from a hot light bulb. A 100-watt bulb can get up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit

Use the correct lights for the job. For example, when using holiday lights, use only indoor lights indoors. Outdoor holiday lights burn hotter and can cause accidents

If a strand of holiday lights is frayed, discard the string

Use only UL-approved lights

Connect lights to power strips that have several outlets and a built-in circuit breaker

Tell children never to touch lights or plugs, especially with wet hands

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